Houston Astros Top Three Left Field Prospects For 2017
This week we continue the top three prospects at each position with a look at the left field position. The outfield position is tough to rank since the Astros move so many of the outfield prospects around. For the purpose of this list, I will stick to the guys who have played primarily left field.
1. Ronnie Dawson (A-)
Dawson was drafted by the Astros in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. Dawson’s junior year at Ohio State was great. He hit .331 with 25 2B, 13 HR, 51 RBI and 21 SB in 65 games. Dawson was assigned to Tri-City after signing with the Astros. He started a bit slow but managed to turn it up and finish strong. In his limited time with the Astros he showed off his power, speed, patience package. Although he hit just .225 (mainly due to a rough start), he finished with a respectable 123 wRC+. His best tool is his above-average raw power, thanks to his 6’2″ 225 lbs frame. He also is a smart runner and has a strong arm for the outfield. Dawson should start next season in High-A and could be a breakout candidate for the Astros.
2016 Stats: 70 G, .225 BA/.351 OBP/.373 SLG, 13 2B, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 12 SB, 41 BB/66 SO
2. Drew Ferguson (AA)
Another late round pick for the Astros that has blossomed. Ferguson, drafted in the 19th round in 2015, had a phenomenal 2016 season. After making his full season debut for Quad Cities just months after the draft last season, he started this year in High-A. Ferguson dominated the California League, especially late. He hit .348 in July and .398 in August. His final 10 games in the California League he hit .488 with 5 HR and 20 RBI. He was promoted to Corpus in late August and improved on his numbers hitting .327 with 3 HR in 15 games. He has very good speed and is a solid defender. He hit for power, stole bases, and posted a very good on base percentage. Ferguson also mentioned in this interview, that he has always been interested in analytics so the Astros were a great fit for him.
2016 Stats: 105 G, .315 BA/.408 OBP/.542 SLG, 29 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 76 RBI, 30 SB, 51 BB/95 SO
3. Jon Kemmer (AAA)
Kemmer, a 21st round pick in 2013, has moved his way through the minors hitting at every stop. He had a breakout 2105 season when he hit .327 with 18 HR and 65 RBI for the Corpus Christi Hooks. Kemmer started out the 2016 season slow but really picked it up in the second half of the season. The left handed hitter finished with 18 HR in 120 AAA games. In the 2nd half of the season he hit .274 with 13 HR and 42 RBI in 52 games. He might not be a gold glove outfielder but he takes pride in his defense and won’t be a glaring weak spot in the outfield. He has also stolen 17 bases in the last two seasons. He is a career .282/.355/.493 hitter in the minors. Kemer has been invited to spring training and should get a chance to compete for a spot with Houston.
2016 Stats: 120 G, .265 BA/.334 OBP/.477 SLG, 24 2B, 18 HR, 69 RBI, 8 SB, 38 BB/128 SO
Other Notables:
Bobby Boyd (AA) – What Boyd lacks in size, 5’9″ 175 lbs, he makes up for it in every other facet. Boyd had 35 extra base hits, 37 stolen bases, and a solid OBP. He was drafted by the Astros in the 8th round of the 2014 draft and has steadily moved through the system. This season he played 34 games in left field, 26 games in right field, and 20 games in center field. He hit very well in Lancaster but just .211 in 22 games with Corpus Christi. He figures to be one of the main outfielders for the Hooks in 2017.
Top Three Prospects By Position
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Third Base
Shortstop
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**Photo Credit: Jayne Hansen**
